Yess! Alamo Drafthouse in talks with Weingarten

Nancy Sarnoff reported today that talks between Alamo Drafthouse and Weingarten, owner of the now-vacant Alabama Theater/aka Bookstop, have been renewed because of “mounting public support.”

Even though the Alabama space is smaller than desired, Michaelsen said his group has worked with architects to come up with scenarios that could possibly work, including at least a two-screen venue.

“We’ve spent money and time and effort to try and do something there,” he said.

Michaelsen wouldn’t discuss what the sticking points were during the first round of talks with property owner Weingarten, nor would he speculate on what he thought the chances were of a new deal happening.

It’s weird because last week 29-95 contributor Bobby Hankinson asked, “why doesn’t the Alamo Drafthouse try to buy the Bookstop?” And I thought I knew the answer — that there was some weird Weingarten rule about never turning that building into an entertainment venue, which has been a rumor floating around for a while. Next thing we know, there’s a Facebook group dedicated to turning the Bookstop into an Alamo Drafthouse.

Can you imagine how amazing this would be? All that great programming and food/beer in an accessible location? This has to happen.